Innovation Cluster's LevelUP Program Invites Growth-Stage Tech Companies to Win $10,000

Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas’ (ICPK) business accelerator program ‘LevelUP’ is gearing up to begin its second cohort for growth-stage tech companies a chance to win $10,000 on Aug. 14.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The 12-week program supports innovative tech-based businesses ready to commercialize and scale. According to Innovation Cluster, the program focuses on validating business ideas and funding preparation, guided by industry experts who equip participants with practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and essential business skills.

They continue to state that program highlights include learning about branding, revenue models, go-to-market plans, customer acquisition, and funding and exit strategies.

The course ended with a pitch competition in November where participants will have a chance to win a $10,000 cash prize.

Latchmi Raghunanan, co-founder of Maman Biomedical Inc., won the $10,000 pitch competition in LevelUP’s inaugural cohort, pitching her company’s trailblazing products disrupting the in vitro fertilization sector. 

“Winning the LevelUP pitch competition allowed us to accelerate and move forward,” said Latchmi. “On top of the $10,000 we won, the program gave us the knowledge and tools to successfully raise $30,000 in funding and increase our visibility and credibility in a very short period of time.”

After completing the program, a press release states that participating businesses will have a detailed business plan, be ready to refine and test their MVP, have a robust go-to-market strategy, have an improved investor pitch, be ready to drive sales and customer acquisition and be well-networked among mentors, industry experts, and potential investors. 

“Our first cohort saw incredibly driven and innovative entrepreneurs whose businesses continue to grow since graduating from the program,” said Zahra Shafiei, LevelUP program lead. We are excited to invite all eligible and passionate business leaders to apply for our 2nd cohort so they too can experience these high levels of progress.”

Sessions will be held every Wednesday for 12 weeks, beginning on Aug. 14. Participants can join virtually or in person at ICPK’s downtown Peterborough location. 

Eligibility Requirements

• Open to entrepreneurs in sectors such as Clean Tech, Healthcare Tech, AgTech, and Digital IT.

• Must be an innovation-driven business with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and a team committed to growth and collaboration.

• Must be a company based in Ontario.
  
  This is the last cohort being offered free of charge to participants with applications due by July 15.

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Maman Biomedical Inc. Earns $10,000 From Innovation Cluster LevelUP Pitch Competition

Latchmi Raghunanan, co-founder of Maman Biomedical Inc. made a $10,000 pitch and was the winner of the Innovation Cluster’s first LevelUP pitch competition on Tuesday afternoon.

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Raghunanan stood on top over seven other competing companies. This event marked the finale of a 13-week program to propel regional startups from concept to market readiness.

The event was held at Innovation Cluster’s facility in Downtown Peterborough at the Venture North Building.

Entrepreneurs pitched their innovative solutions to a panel of expert judges, Christine Crandell, Gail Moorhouse, and Amit Bhanot to try to claim the top prize.

Raghunanan’s pitch involves the in vitro fertilization (IVF) sector, offering products in patch and gel form. Their products eliminate pain and reduce costs for women facing infertility, both major barriers to accessing traditional needle-injected IVF treatments. 

“Winning this competition means we can accelerate and move forward,” said Raghunanan. “We loved the LevelUP program, and we’ve made a lot of progress in a very short period of time. I am extremely proud of where we are.”

“Our first cohort has set a high benchmark for success," said Crandell. “Seeing these entrepreneurs evolve over the past weeks has been profoundly inspiring.”

Innovation Cluster is accepting new applicants for the next LevelUP cycle beginning on Aug. 6. The application deadline is July 1.

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Innovation Cluster Seeking New Board Members

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas individuals to their Board who can contribute to their mission of transforming Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes into a recognized Centre of Innovation.

Photo by dAVID tUAN bUI.

Innovation Cluster are seeking individuals with:

• A strong passion for entrepreneurship, technology, and startup culture.

• A strong passion and knowledge of the latest technological trends

• Experience in accounting(CPA)/finance

• Experience with successful exits (IPO, M&A)

• Expertise in specialized fields such as agtech, healthcare, finance, or business leadership.

Board Member Expectations:

• Active participation in strategic discussions, events, and meetings.

• Contribution of unique insights and expertise to support the leadership team.

• Advocacy for the Innovation Cluster's mission and vision within the community and beyond.

Applications are due by April 19. Once completed, they can be emailedto board@innovationcluster.ca.

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Innovation Cluster and BWXT Announce Collaboration to Highlight Clean Technology For the Future

In an effort to highlight clean technology for the future with the nuclear industry, Innovation Cluster and BWXT Nuclear Energy Canada (BWXT NEC) have begun a collaboration, announced at the former’s offices at the Venture North Building on Tuesday morning.

(form left to right) Mayor Jeff Leal; Janice Johnston, Constituency Assistant; Camila Duarte, Innovation Cluster executive director and Brett Jermyn, BWXT director of fuel handling and engineered solutions. BWXT NEC employs roughly 400 employees at its Peterborough location which has the largest workforce of its three locations in Ontario. PHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Three goals were set from the collaboration:

1. Nuclear Energy: Communicating nuclear energy's benefits and addressing and transforming public perception.

2. Boost Local Employment: For BWXT NEC to create job opportunities within the nuclear industry. Local talent including students from Trent University and Fleming College and skilled professionals in our region are being sought.

3. Grow Economy Through Innovation: To fuel the local economy by combining innovative nuclear energy projects with job creation, promoting sustainable community development.

“Our collaboration with the Innovation Cluster highlights BWXT's commitment to innovation, local job creation, and deepening our relationships within Peterborough,” said Brett Jermyn, BWXT NEC director of fuel handling and engineered solutions. “We’re excited to be working with the organization and tapping into their expertise and network to further enable our nuclear innovations and support our community.”

“Collaborating with BWXT NEC is a transformative step for our region, underscoring the synergy between cleantech innovation and sustainable development,” said Camila Duarte, Innovation Cluster executive director. “This collaboration aligns with our mission to cultivate a thriving innovation ecosystem and shows how strategic relationships can accelerate progress in essential sectors like health tech, cleantech, and nuclear energy.”

With the collaboration, Innovation Cluster launched its Corporate Sponsorship initiative to ignite innovation through corporate partnerships. As a result of the union, BWXT has become a Zone Partner and has an office inside the Innovation Cluster’s downtown Peterborough Incubator.

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Innovation Cluster Launches Program to Aid Student Entrepreneurs From Post-Secondary Institutions

The Innovation Cluster has launched the 2024 Slingshot Program to help accelerate student entrepreneurs from Trent University and Fleming College to enter the front lines of the startup world, announced on Monday morning.

pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

The program offers a seven-week course culminating in a pitch competition on July 4th. The winner will be awarded a $3,000 prize to aid their entrepreneurship. Applications are open until April 21.

The program offers a pioneering curriculum led by industry leaders, covering:

• Entrepreneurship Essentials: A deep dive into the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, equipping students with critical concepts and principles.

• Business Idea Development: Techniques to refine and market-validate business ideas.

• Business Model Analysis: Instruction on utilizing the Business Model Canvas for strategic venture development.

• Market Research and Marketing Plans: Training in conducting effective market research and crafting compelling marketing strategies.

• Pitching Skills and Competition: Opportunities to hone pitching skills and compete for a $3,000 prize.

Slingshot is open to university and college students or a graduate within the past six months.

Applications must meet the following criteria to apply:

• Must be in the region of Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes

• Must have a passion for entrepreneurship

• Must be beyond ideation (MVP ideal)

• Must have a business in innovation and technology (Social Innovation accepted)

An information session is scheduled for Wednesday at noon at the Innovation Cluster. It offers further insights into the program and its benefits. 

Potential applications are asked to RSVP for their information session.

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13 Business Startups to 'LevelUP' Through Innovation Cluster Peterborough's Accelerator Program

The Innovation Cluster has released the 13 companies selected for the inaugural cohort of LevelUP, a groundbreaking startup accelerator program, announced at the Venture North Building on Tuesday morning.

Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster.

LevelUP is a fully-funded, comprehensive startup accelerator created for experienced entrepreneurs and regional innovators according to a press release.

“The selection of these 13 companies for LevelUP is a milestone for our region,'“ said Camila Duarte, Innovation Cluster executive director. “We are fostering a sustainable ecosystem where innovation and economic growth thrive together. This program symbolizes our commitment to transforming our region into a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs.”

The program offers mentorship, workshops, networking opportunities and access to funding to transform startups into thriving businesses. It acts as a fast-track program to bring more products and businesses to market in the region.

LevelUP runs in three cohorts annually, hosting a select number of companies over a 12-week journey culminating in a competition where they will pitch for investment and compete for prizes up to $10,000 and access an exclusive AI platform - Pitch Bob - per cohort.

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'Quest It' Mobile App Creator Takes Grand Prize In Innovation Cluster's 'Cubs' Lair' Entrepreneurial Competition

Hadi Jakmora’s mobile app ‘Quest It’ took home first place at the Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas’s ‘Cubs' Lair’ entrepreneurial competition held at Erben on Thursday.

Winner Hadi Jakmora (middle left) with his grand prize after winning the Cubs’ Lair competition. Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster Peterborough.

Jakmore took home the grand prize of $3,000, for his app, designed for everyday task assistance, facilitating local services from snow removal to meal preparation.

Matt Anderson clinched second place and a $1,500 award for Chemong City Greens, an enterprise cultivating organic microgreens. Its nutrient-rich produce enhances meals year-round, enriching Peterborough's local food network.

Nicholas Landon secured third place and a $500 prize for Course Sync Inc., an innovative platform revolutionizing student academic management.

Other participants included:

• Zachary McCue of REPWR

• Ashley Bonner of Community Pin

• Yash Ramnani of Nectar

• Jayden Smith of Cub Storage Inc

Judges for the event were Marcelo Sarkis of Prima IP, Jade Calver of Calver Immigration Consulting Inc. and Jason Fiorotto, a seasoned B2B marketing strategist.

“The Innovation Cluster extends heartfelt congratulations to all Cubs' Lair 2023 participants for their remarkable creativity and dedication,” according to a press release statement. “We eagerly anticipate the future success of these entrepreneurs in Peterborough and beyond as they continue to shape the landscape of innovation.”

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Innovation Cluster Announces Pitch IT! 2023 Winners and Cubs' Lair Competition Launch

Maysie Roberts from Trent University has walked away as the $1,000 prize winner of Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas’s Pitch IT! 2023 competition. They are also launching this year's Cubs' Lair Entrepreneurship Competition for Nov. 30.

All participants of the Pitch IT! compeition. Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster Peterborough.

Roberts won with her app concept, Uniquely Blossom. This women's health app would specialize in reproductive anomalies. It would not only offer the features of a standard women's health app but also provide tailored guidance and doctor bookings according to a press release.

Runner-up and a $500 prize went to Adithya Bala from Fleming College for his venture, EcoBites. This product line offers edible, flavoured straws and lids as eco-friendly alternatives to single-use plastics.

The following were other participants:

• Whitney Stoner-Paget from Fleming College: First Five Club, focusing on innovative early childhood development

• Christina Bourgeois-Davis from Fleming College: Hand-In-Hand Childcare Solutions, aimed at streamlining childcare services

• Aruja Kulkarni from Trent University: Atomation.AI, a platform for automating routine tasks

• John Samuel Joseph Premanand from Trent University: FarmersCart, revolutionizing the way Toronto residents access farm-fresh produce through an online marketplace and pop-up stores

The Pitch IT! jusdges were as follows:

• Catia Skinner, CEO of Mega Experience Inc., a leading marketing solutions provider

• Barry Payne, Founder of Adirondack Technologies Furniture Inc., and inspiring Indigenous entrepreneur

• Andrew Ko - Business Development Manager at Futurpreneur Canada, a vital partner of the Innovation Cluster

The Cubs’ Lair, running from 6-8:30 p.m. at Erben Restaurant is featuring not just students but also regional entrepreneurs from the Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes area.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be in the region of Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes.

• Must have a passion for entrepreneurship.

• Must have an innovative business.

• Must have a business plan.

• Must be working in an active business (MVP preferred)

Top prizes include $3,000 for the first-place winner, $1,500 for the second, and $500 for the third, generously sponsored by Futurpreneur.

“This competition is a catalyst for untapped potential and passion,” Nonnie Dube, contest facilitator. Don't miss this unique opportunity to elevate your business idea, secure seed money, and gain pivotal mentorship.”

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Innovation Cluster Peterborough Announce Camila Duarte as New Executive Director

Innovation Cluster Peterborough has appointed Camila Duarte as the organization’s new executive director after a decision from the board of directors announced on Wednesday morning.

Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster.

Duarte has spent nine years in tech innovation, non-profit and customer-facing industries, coaching, relationship-building, and developing strategic initiatives across international centres in Melbourne, Australia, Montréal and Toronto according to a press release.

During her Innovation Cluster tenure, she pioneered initiatives that generated over $1 million in revenue growth, mentored more than 100 companies and fostered pivotal partnerships internationally and across Canada, including hubs in Manitoba, Vancouver, Guelph and Cape Breton as stated by Innovation Cluster.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to understand the Innovation Cluster from its grassroots,” said Duarte. “This provides me with a unique understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape in the regions we serve and what the organization needs to continue its history of driving growth and innovation.”

“Camila’s impressive track record, together with her entrepreneurial spirit and proven leadership skills, makes her the right candidate to lead the organization as a prominent and vibrant centre for the incubation of innovation,” said Nicole Stephenson, board chair. “Her dedication, resilience, and transformative vision are the skills that we require in a leader to achieve our ambitious goal to be a catalyst for building, attracting, nurturing, and retaining companies in the region.”

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Innovation Cluster and Cape Breton University Partner for Social Innovation Microcredential Course

The Innovation Cluster Peterborough and the Kawarthas (ICPK) has partnered with Cape Breton University's Centre to launch the Social Innovation microcredential that focuses on creativity, design thinking, innovation, and social business models, announced on Wednesday.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn alongside Jasmine Alam, a renowned expert with a Ph.D. focused on Social Innovation in a sector that is currently experiencing tremendous growth. Photo courtesy of Innovation Cluster.

The four-week course is held on Thursdays from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m. beginning on Sept. 7 until the 28th.

The course is being offered at a cost of $500 per participant and at a discounted rate of $250 to ICPK clients.

“Our partnership with the Innovation Cluster is an exciting step towards fostering social entrepreneurship in Canada,” said Jasmine Alam, Cape Breton University director “The course reflects our shared mission to engage and equip innovators to create social impact while also being profitable.”

“The alliance between the Innovation Cluster and Cape Breton University further fosters our commitment to build a prominent and vibrant centre for the incubation of innovation,” Nicole Stephenson, Innovation Cluster interim CEO. “Their exceptional program in social innovation aligns seamlessly with our goal to drive innovation-focused economic growth and continuously provide new opportunities for our clients.”

The program offers four modules with a pitch competition at the end where participants can obtain funding for their ideas. Innovation cluster is inviting current Trent and Fleming College students, alumni and aspiring entrepreneurs interested in social innovation enterprises to participate.

Registration is open and anyone interested can enroll online. Upon successful completion, a badge will be issued by Cape Breton University with the Innovation Cluster.

“This partnership is about more than a course; it's about building a community of innovators,” said Alam. “By working together, we are confident we'll witness a significant rise in social entrepreneurial activity.”

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